Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2690-4861/141

Watery eyes

  • P D Gupta * 1
  • 1 Founder Director, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmadabad, India.

*Corresponding Author: P D Gupta, Founder Director, Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre, Ahmadabad, India.

Citation: P D Gupta. (2021) Watery eyes. International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. 7(5); DOI:10.31579/2690-4861/141

Copyright: © 2021 P D Gupta, This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 26 May 2021 | Accepted: 23 July 2021 | Published: 28 July 2021

Keywords: watery eyes; epiphora

Abstract

For clear vision, the cornea, which is not supplied with blood, has to be continually kept wet and it is done by basal tears. Tears are the maintenance fluid of the eye; the watery eyes or epiphora is the most common symptoms of many ocular pathologies; this is due to either overproduction or under drainage of tears. The watery eyes may also be due to hyperlacrimation. Tears play an important role in producing and controlling these ocular pathologies.

Introduction

Life cannot exist without water; every organ in human body is kept moist by blood. The blood plasma contains 90 percent water. However, eye is not supplied with blood in order to keep the photographic apparatus transparent so the light can pass through without any hindrance, The eyes are always in direct contact with external environment, which is most of the times “dry” and polluted [1]. It is essential for many reasons to keep mammalian eyes wet; the outermost layer, the cornea, which is not supplied with blood, has to be continually kept wet for clear vision and it is done by basal tears. In addition to the tears eye lashes also play pivotal role to keep the cornea wet [2, 3]. Further the both   anterior and posterior chambers are filled with a clear, watery fluid called aqueous humor or vitreous gel. Instead of blood this fluid tak the most common cause of watering eyes among adults and older children is the blocked tear ducts or ducts that are too narrow (Fig. 1).   

Figure 1: Tear gland, tear duct and narrowing of tear duct

The causes of narrowed tear ducts usually are swelling, and/or inflammation. If the tear ducts are narrowed or blocked, the tears will not be able to drain away and will build up in the tear sac. It can also cause excessive tearing, recurrent conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) or dacryocystitis (eye infection), painful swelling, mucus discharge and blurred vision [4-6]. 

Tears are the maintenance fluid of the eye; however, when the tears won’t stop flowing can cause eyes to water without any apparent reason. This condition is known as watery eyes or epiphora, the problem is either overproduction or under drainage of tears. Epiphora is one of the most common symptoms of much ocular pathology. Oddly, but true, a dry eye problem can sometimes cause watery eyes [7], because the eye produces excess tears to combat the irritation and dryness. It may not make sense, but dry-eye syndrome often leads to watery eyes. In addition to excessive tearing, symptoms of dry eye syndrome may include blurred vision, itchy or burning eyes.

Watery eyes may due to mainly for 2 reasons

  1. Epiphora: The causes of epiphora are often multifactorial. Though most cases of epiphora are due to non-patency in the lacrimal outflow pathway, others, such as eyelid and adnexal disorders, and corneal and ocular surface pathologies, can also cause watering [4].
  2. Hyperlacrimation: Refers to excessive watering due to irritation of the corneal surface, as in cases of dry eye, corneal abrasion or corneal foreign body [8, 9].

Obstructions of the excretory lacrimal system can be either anatomical (referring to any structural pathology in the lacrimal outflow pathway that obstructs tear passage) or functional (where the lacrimal outflow pathway is anatomically normal with a patent syringing, but there’s a failure of the lacrimal pump mechanism.  Environmental factors and allergies can also result in watery eyes. More seriously, infection can be the reason why the eyes won't stop tearing up.

Tears

Tears are extremely useful, they wash debris from the eyes. They communicate all kinds of feelings all tears contain water, lipids, lysozyme, lipocalin, glucose, and sodium. This protein-rich, antibacterial liquid [10] goes from the outer edge of the eyeball toward the cornea and lubricates the entire eye surface keep the area infection free.  Tears lubricate the eye and help keep it clear of dust, prevent from infection, provide nourishment and keep the cornea healthy. Tears contain water, mucin, lipids, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lipocalin, lacritin, immunoglobulins, glucose, urea, sodium, and potassium. Quality of vision is affected by the stability of the tear film [11]. Oxygen and nutrients are also transported to the surface cells of the eyes by tears, since there are no blood vessels on the eyes. They help you see clearly Tear over-secretion is usually caused by irritation or inflammation of the surface of the eye. This can occur for a number of reasons, including eyelash and eyelid problems or allergies.   

Chemistry of tears: Tears are produced in the lacrimal glands (tear ducts) that are in the outer corners of eyelids (Fig. 1). These glands produce tears blood plasma, selecting some components but not others. Although they may appear to be nothing more than water, our tears are actually quite complex. Tears are made of mucus, water, and oil, and each component plays a role in the eye [10].

Mucus coats the surface of the eye and helps bind the tear layer to the eye. Without a healthy mucus layer, dry spots may form on the cornea, the clear, dome-like structure on the front of the eye.

The water is really more of a saline (salt) solution that contains various vitamins and minerals vital to normal cell function. These nutrients are important for keeping the top layer of cells on the surface of the eye, the epithelium, healthy and functioning normally.

The oil of the tear film prevents evaporation of the tears. Some people don't make enough oil (or sometimes too much oil), resulting in dry eyes. If the oil component is not normal, the tears evaporate too quickly.

The human tears also contain natural antibiotics called lysozymes. Lysozymes help to keep the surface of the eye healthy by fighting off bacteria and viruses [10].

Role of Tears

Tears play an important role in keeping eyes healthy. Tears keep the surface of   eyeballs clean and moist and help protect our eyes from damage. Because the cornea has no blood vessels, the tears also provide a means of bringing nutrients to its cells. Although they may appear to be nothing more than water, our tears are actually quite complex in composition. 

Mucus coats the surface of the eye and helps bind the tear layer to the eye. Without a healthy mucus layer, dry spots may form on the cornea, the clear, dome-like structure on the front of the eye.

The water is really more of a saline that contains various vitamins and minerals vital to normal cell function. These nutrients are important for keeping the top layer of cells on the surface of the eye, the epithelium, healthy and functioning normally.

The oil of the tear film [11] prevents evaporation of the tears. Some people don't make enough oil (or sometimes too much oil), resulting in dry eyes. If the oil component is not normal, the tears evaporate too quickly.

Tears make eyes watery

Crying is the shedding of tears (or welling of tears in the eyes) in response to an emotional state, pain or a physical irritation of the eye. Emotions that can lead to crying include anger, happiness, or sadness. Lacrimation is also refers to non-emotional shedding of tears. Reflex tears clear debris, like smoke and dust, from your eyes. Continuous tears lubricate the eyes and help protect them from infection. Emotional tears may have many health benefits. Whereas continuous tears contain 98 percent water, emotional tears contain stress hormones and other toxins

 Basal tears clear liquid secreted by the glands (known as tear ducts). Their major function to keep the cornea lubricated. Quality of vision is affected by the stability of the tear film [12].

Reflex Tears: Reflex tears come out in response to something else and are formed when the eyes need to wash away harmful irritants, such as smoke, foreign materials, onions, tear gas irritates the eyes. The eyes shed a few tears when chopping onions or when get dust in   eyes during sand storm in deserts.

Emotional Tears: Emotional or Psychic tears, are produced during strong emotional responses both (positive, happiness and negative, sadness), and contain more of certain hormones, such as prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and leucine enkephalin. The emotional tears when shed overcome with emotions have a higher protein content than the tears shed from irritants. 

Tears during Sleep: During sleep,   tear ducts add less water and protein to the tears, but they increase the number of antibodies present, while infection-fighting cells also migrate to the conjunctival sac. 

Tears due to Age:  On aging usually produce fewer tears by volume, and this can lead to developing dry eyes.  The lacrimal ducts normally add   less proteins to tears.

In older adults, persistent watery eyes may occur as the aging skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeball, allowing tears to accumulate and flow out. Allergies or viral infections (conjunctivitis), as well as any kind of inflammation, may cause watery eyes for a few days or so

One reason eyes water in the morning is the very reason it's tough to open your eyes in the first place - the light. After being closed for hours, your pupils react to the sudden brightness of morning by producing tears. While the bright light of day could be a cause of watery eyes, so could dry eye syndrome.

Remedies for watery eyes

Some of the measures mentioned below are very effective for the treatment of watery eyes. [13, 14]:

  • Eye drops.
  • Treatment for   allergies, infection.
  •  Blocked tear ducts open with hot wet towel
  • Surgical procedure may also help.

Air conditioners reduce humidity in the air which can lead to dryness in the eyes. Further, AC ducts contain moulds, bacteria and virus which cause inflammation in the eye, thereby becoming a multi factorial source which cause to the eyes. In order to prevent this, water can be kept in containers in the corners of the room; the water will evaporate and spread in the room and thereby increase the overall humidity.

References

Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.

img

Virginia E. Koenig

Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.

img

Delcio G Silva Junior

Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.

img

Ziemlé Clément Méda

Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mina Sherif Soliman Georgy

We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.

img

Layla Shojaie

The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.

img

Sing-yung Wu

Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.

img

Orlando Villarreal

Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.

img

Katarzyna Byczkowska

Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.

img

Anthony Kodzo-Grey Venyo

Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.

img

Pedro Marques Gomes

Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.

img

Bernard Terkimbi Utoo

This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.

img

Prof Sherif W Mansour

Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.

img

Hao Jiang

As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.

img

Dr Shiming Tang

Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.

img

Raed Mualem

International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.

img

Andreas Filippaios

Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.

img

Dr Suramya Dhamija

Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.

img

Bruno Chauffert

I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!

img

Baheci Selen

"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".

img

Jesus Simal-Gandara

I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.

img

Douglas Miyazaki

We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.

img

Dr Griffith

I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.

img

Dr Tong Ming Liu

I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.

img

Husain Taha Radhi

I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.

img

S Munshi

Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.

img

Tania Munoz

“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.

img

George Varvatsoulias

Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.

img

Rui Tao

Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.

img

Khurram Arshad